A BAKERY that refused to make a "support gay marriage" cake could end up in court after it was sent a letter threatening legal action.

Daniel McArthur, the bakery's general manager, said the request was against the firm's beliefs[NC]

Ashers Baking Co in Newtonabbey, County Antrim, is understood to have received a letter from the Equality Commission for refusing to decorate a cake featuring the slogan alongside Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie.

The design was also understood to include the logo of QueerSpace, a Belfast-based LGBT volunteer collective.

Daniel McArthur, general manager at the firm, told the Belfast Telegraph that Ashers was founded by Christians and that the current directors were Christians.

He said: “That means that we run our business according to Christian values and beliefs, according to what the Bible teaches.

"It means for example that we don’t open on Sundays, that we trade openly and honestly with people."

He added: “We thought that this order was at odds with our beliefs. It certainly was in contradiction of what the Bible teaches.

"I feel if we don’t take a stand with this case, then how can we stand up against it further down the line?”

The Christian Institute, which said the request for the cake was made in May by a "volunteer LGBT activist", said it is supporting the bakery because "the case proves the need for the law to reasonably accommodate family-run businesses with firmly held beliefs".

The charity added: "When the order came through to the head office, the manager and directors decided to decline the request on conscience grounds, and offered a full refund."

The Equality Commission is reported to have told the firm that not printing the cake amounts to discrimination.

Gay marriage is still not legal in Northern Ireland [GETTY]

It is believed that the letter advised Ashers to resolve the situation and said that it would pursue legal action if there was no response within a week.

In a statement, The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland said: "In this case the commission has granted assistance to the complainant, and has written to the company concerned on his behalf.

"The commission will consider any response before taking further action."

Northern Ireland is currently the only part of the UK where gay marriage is not legal.